A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Los Angeles for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Tulum or Los Angeles?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Los Angeles can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a diverse, multicultural, and sprawling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Tulum and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Los Angeles than Tulum, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Los Angeles is better known for its theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Tulum is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty. Tulum is well known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Los Angeles is well known for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. Also, Los Angeles is famous for Hollywood.

How is Tulum different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Los Angeles and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles have fantastic landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

The museums and tourist attractions in Los Angeles are world-renowned. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a well-known place for theatre. However, Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Tulum is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Tulum or Los Angeles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Los Angeles is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Los Angeles have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Tulum has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles are fantastic when it comes to partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

Los Angeles is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is terrific for live music. However, Tulum is not a live music destination.

Los Angeles is a world class music destination. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Tulum is not a live music destination.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Tulum is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

Los Angeles is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Los Angeles has a few good snorkeling spots. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles are considered to be fantastic beach destinations.

Tulum is considered to be a world-class beach destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

Los Angeles offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

Los Angeles is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is terrific for shopping. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Los Angeles is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Tulum is well-known for its shopping. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles are fantastic destinations for a couple's getaway.

Tulum is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

Los Angeles is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles are very good destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Many backpackers visit Los Angeles. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is terrific for students. However, Tulum is not popular with students.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Tulum is not popular with students.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Los Angeles has some public transit options. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Tulum or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

Tulum is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Los Angeles is somewhat walkable. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

For even more information, also check out Is Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Both Tulum and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Los Angeles than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

Families should spend more time in Los Angeles than Tulum. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Los Angeles, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Los Angeles than Tulum. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Los Angeles that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Tulum if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Los Angeles.

One day in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ancient town of Tulum. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical destination of Tulum. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively town of Tulum. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Los Angeles?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Tulum. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Los Angeles has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tulum and Los Angeles, we can see that Los Angeles is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Los Angeles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Los Angeles than you might in Tulum.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tulum Expensive? and Is Los Angeles Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Los Angeles, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Tulum or Los Angeles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tulum or Los Angeles in the Summer?

Both Los Angeles and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Los Angeles. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Tulum is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Los Angeles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Los Angeles. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tulum is much warmer than Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Los Angeles in the Spring?

Both Los Angeles and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Tulum is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Tulum usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Tulum